Visualizing microtubule structural transitions and interactions with associated proteins

- Progress in cryo-EM resolution now allows building atomic models into microtubule (MT) maps.
- GTP hydrolysis induces strain in α-tubulin at longitudinal interfaces between dimers.
- MAPs bind either at intra or interdimer contacts, the latter are sensitive to MT nucleotide state.
- Cryo-EM studies have led to models of kinesin/dynein mechanochemistry on MTs.
- Disorder-to-order transitions guide β-tubulin tail to the active site of its glutamylase.